The four powers (of purification) are:
1) The power of the basis
2) the power of remedial action
3) the power of regret
4) the power of not reverting to faulty conduct
Fourth is turning away and refraining from faults. Having absolutely no wish to eat poison in the future, we develop a strong determination to not, through ignorance, commit poison-like negative karma even at the cost of our life. We must confess past negative karma and make a strong promise not to commit unwholesome deeds again in the future.
As said in the Guide to the Bodhisattva Conduct:
“Negative karma is not good,
I will not commit it again in the future”
Accordingly, recognizing negative karma as faulty, we must strive to purify past negative karma and make a strong promise not to repeat it in the future. Negative action arises out of ignorance and lack of conscientiousness; therefore if we remain mindful, alert, and conscientious in all times and situations we will not be stained by negative karma.
Sutra states:
“With care, through virtue, happiness arises.
Careless, through non-virtue, suffering arises.
Those who wish to have happiness
Should always try to be conscientious. “
Accordingly, if we are always mindful, alert, and conscientious, the door to negative karma and downfalls is already closed. Conscientiously perservere in virtuous action.
Excerpt of text written by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, from the book Precious Teachings, chapter entitled “A Brief Explanation of the Four Powers of Purification of Negative Karma,” page 113 in the paper book, and page 121 in the PDF version.
